Despereaux Premiere Puts the FUN in Fundraiser

On Saturday, December 13th, the Ambler Theater was transformed into a magical kingdom as hundreds of CPS supporters, families, and staff members turned out for the Philadelphia Premiere of The Tale of Despereaux, a fundraiser to benefit the school.

The Universal Pictures animated film, featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, William H. Macy, Emma Watson, and Sigourney Weaver, takes place in the whimsical kingdom of Dor. Despereaux is a tiny, unusual mouse with oversized ears who reads books (instead of eating them!) and talks to humans (instead of cowering in their presence!). The film, which will be released in theaters on December 19, follows the brave hero as he sets out on a thrilling quest to rescue Princess Pea when she is kidnapped by rats. Just like CPS students, who strive to fulfill the school's core values of courage, compassion and curiosity, Despereaux follows a code of chivalry, honor, and courage.

Robin Bissell, the executive producer of Despereaux and a Germantown Academy alumnus, gave CPS the opportunity to premiere the film and the resulting event was royally fantastic!

Saturday's family event featured not only several screenings of the film, but also a wealth of Royal Festivities for both adults and children to enjoy. Guests entered the Ambler Theater to discover a palace with royal purple velvet wall hangings, medieval trumpeteers, princes, princesses, a harpist, and a juggler/ magician/ balloon artist!

Guests enjoyed a medieval atmosphere, complete with trumpeteers and a harpist.

(All photos courtesy of Ian Campbell: www.icphoto.com)

The prince and princess sample magical potion, and the royal juggler entertains the court.

Guests were treated to kid-friendly hors d'oeuvres (bite-size pigs-in-a-blanket, pizza, grilled cheese) and a luxurious feast table, packed with fresh fruit, magical-- and tasty-- potion, hearty soup, and of course, plenty of cheese! Children enjoyed a fun, jam-packed afternoon, which included visiting the royal craft table to create their very own sequined, spoon-bedazzled crowns, sitting in royal thrones and having their faces painted with beautiful designs, and munching on popcorn and other delicious treats.

According to CPS third grader Nashay, who attended the event with her family, "I had a great time. The movie was excellent!  It was all about a brave little mouse. I really liked Despereaux and the princess." Nashay, obviously royalty-in-training, said her favorite part of the event was "getting to have fun and getting my face painted as a princess!"

The Royal Feast Table.

CPS students, painted as a princess and a mouse, show off their new looks at the event.

After enjoying all the royal activities, guests had the opportunity to learn about the tremendous impact that Community Partnership School has on its young learners, as they watched a "trailer" about the school, courtesy of NBC News, before Despereaux began.

In addition to those in attendance, the event brought in many "nobility" patrons, who made generous donations that both provided tickets for CPS students and contributed to the children's educational costs.

Huge thanks to the dedicated event committee and generous sponsors for making The Tale of Despereaux Premiere an overwhelming success!

Sponsors

Premiere Committee